Back to School in Evanston- 10 Tips to An Easy Transition!

Evanston Schools are kicking off the new year this week and students are saying goodbye to the long, hot summer.  This is an exciting time as freshly sharpened pencils, glossy folders, old friendships and being in a new grade helps children look forward to being back in class. The city of Evanston’s Health Department even got involved on the start of the school year by promoting Evanston Walk Week to encourage an active lifestyle for children!  As many students have anticipated this change, there are those students who are feeling a little unnerved.  They are the transfer students.  Starting a new school can be scary, but there are some ways to make it an easy transition.

One thing to rest assured about is the great education that the Evanston school system provides.  Of course, I feel that families that move to Evanston have already made a great choice!  Homes in Evanston range from beautiful vintage homes on tree-lined streets to fully renovated condos in the downtown area.  You’ll always find an Evanston home that is perfect for you!  But the schools in Evanston are also very desirable.  There are two districts, District 65 and District 202 (Evanston Township High School) along with a handful of top-notch private schools. 

So, how can you make the move to Evanston and a new school easy for your student?  Below are 10 Tips for Adjusting to a New School that GreatSchools.org pulled together.

1. Make it a team effort- If you're choosing between a few schools, talk with your child about what each one has to offer. When it comes time to select specific classes, make sure your child is part of the process.

2. Keep a positive focus- As the first day draws near, begin talking to your child about her expectations, hopes and fears for the upcoming school year. Reassure her that other children are having the same feelings and that she's sure to have a great year. Present school as a place where she'll learn new things and make friends.

3. Encourage school involvement- Though you don't want your teenager to become over-committed, it's important to encourage participation in one or two activities that particularly interest him. He's more likely to engaged academically if he feels connected through a school activity, club or sport. Talk to him about his goals for the school year and how he might like to be involved in school outside of the classroom.

4. Get enough z's- If your child has enjoyed a vacation of late nights and lazy mornings, getting him up for school on the first day can be difficult. Help make this transition easier by starting his school-year sleep routine a week or two in advance.

5. Take a trial run- Take some time before the start of school to make sure you and your child know where to go and what to do on that first morning. Show your child where the bus stop is, or, if she walks, map out the safest route to school, avoiding vacant lots and places where there aren't a lot of people. If you can find out what classroom your child will be in, visit the classroom ahead of time so she knows exactly where to go in the morning. You may even want to call the school in advance to find out about any special first-day procedures.

6. Stock up on supplies- On or before the first day of school, make sure you or your child finds out what school supplies and materials are required. Most schools should provide a handy list for the lower grades, but if not, take it upon yourself to ask and then purchase the items as soon as possible. Middle and high school students should bring a notebook and pen or pencil on the first day.

7. Prepare the night before- To avoid the morning rush, organize what you can the night before. Lay out clothes, make a lunch and assemble any supplies your child may need. Be sure to get everyone up extra early so you'll have plenty of time to calmly get ready and get out the door on time.

8. Get a healthy start- Encourage your child to eat a good breakfast and pack a healthy snack to help her get through the day.

9. Accompany your little one- Even if your elementary school child will be riding the bus regularly or walking to school, you may want to take him yourself on the first day, particularly if he seems nervous.

10. Introduce yourselves- Young children are often shy with a new teacher. If you take your child to school on the first day, you might want to go into the classroom and introduce your child to the teacher. Let the teacher know about any special interests or challenges that your child has.

I hope these tips have been helpful as your child ventures through their first week of school in Evanston!  If you have any other questions about Evanston, since you may be new to the area as well, let me know!  I’d love to help you make the transition to the great community of Evanston as easy as possible!

Judy Newton
Your Evanston Real Estate Expert
Coldwell Banker

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